Why is there a small gap between the edge of the film and the frame edge of glass?

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Why is there a small gap between the edge of the film and the frame edge of glass?

Why is there a small gap between the edge of the film and the frame edge of glass?

February 1, 2017Ian Sterne

There has to be a small gap (1/16 – 1/8 inch) along the edge to allow for the removal of the ‘slip solution’ used when installing our ACE safety laminates. Also, in warm temperatures the film can expand. If there is no room for it to expand it will touch the edge of the frame and lift off the glass causing a “finger” to appear which means the film will have to be replaced. There is no compromise to the protection provided by leaving this gap as glass does not break in a straight line (in other words, it won’t break along the unprotected glass). Rather, the shatter lines in glass will direct the energy into the middle of the window pane which is protected.